[Pfhreak]

> if you support the welfare state, mistakes like this should bother you more, not less.

Why? I support social programs, I accept some inefficiencies and waste.

In general I think small waste is not worth the energy to be concerned about if the benefit is huge.

That said, I think means testing is a waste of everyone's time. Just provide the benefits to everyone -- it simplifies the process of providing the benefit.

[leftyted]

Because, as I said in my original post, "[shoddiness, etc] represents the best objections to the welfare state".

In other words, blithe dismissals like "I accept some inefficienies and waste" provide the other side with the best possible ammunition against the idea of a welfare state.

It's laughable to see the number of people here who, straight-faced, say nonsense like "Nitpicking efficiency is for the capitalists".

[metabagel]

If you're looking for government waste and inefficiency, you'd be better off looking at military spending. That's where a lot of the low-hanging fruit is.